Co-op, Bioassay & High Throughput Screening

Biogen, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company paid holidays

Commuter benefits

Employee Resource Groups participation

80 hours of sick time per calendaryear

Job summary

Biogen invites a Bioassay & HTS Co-op to join a multidisciplinary team supporting early drug discovery through robust assay development and high-throughput screening. You will work with biology and chemistry to optimize assays, generate data, and contribute to automated workflows.

This six-month internship from Jan–June 2027 emphasizes hands-on lab experience, data interpretation, and an independent project culminating in a final presentation.

Qualifications

• Fundamental understanding of biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or related scientific disciplines.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques, including solution preparation, pipetting, and experimental documentation.
• Knowledge of serial dilutions and molarity conversions.
• Ability to accurately execute experimental protocols and follow standard operating procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistently generate high-quality, reproducible data.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Prior laboratory research experience through coursework, academic research, or internships.
• Interest in drug discovery, assay development, high-throughput screening, or laboratory automation.
• Familiarity with cell culture and biochemical assays is a plus.
• Experience with GraphPad Prism, Spotfire, Python, R or laboratory automation is a plus but not required

Responsibilities

• Execution of cell-based and biochemical assays to support research programs
• Preparation of reagents, assay plates and biological samples for screening experiments
• Collection, analysis, and interpretation of experimental data using data analysis tools
• Documentation of experimental procedures, results and conclusions in electronic laboratory notebook
• Contribution to assay optimization, automation workflows, and process improvement initiatives
• Completion of an independent project that addresses a scientific or operational challenge and culminates in a final presentation

Skills

Biology basics

Lab techniques

Serial dilutions

SOP execution

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication

Research experience

Drug discovery interest

Cell culture

Data analysis tools

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Biology/Biochemistry/Molecular Biology/Biotech/Pharm Sci

Tools

GraphPad Prism

Spotfire

Python

R

Job description

About the Role:

This application is for a 6-month student role from January - June 2027. Resume review begins in October 2026. The Bioassay & High Throughput Screening (HTS) Co-op will join a multidisciplinary team focused on enabling early drug discovery through the development, optimization, and execution of robust biological assays. The Bioassay & HTS group partners closely with biology, and chemistry teams to identify and characterize novel therapeutic candidates using innovative screening technologies and automated laboratory platforms. We execute high-throughput screening campaigns against large compound collections (+600K), confirm and characterize screening hits through follow up studies, generate concentration-response curves and potency measurements, and assess compound selectivity, assay interference, and toxicity. The Bioassay & HTS team delivers the assays, screening data, technologies, and scientific insights that enable researchers to discover and advance potential drug candidates. This work transforms biological questions into data-driven decisions that move drug discovery programs forward.

What You’ll Do:

In this role, you will gain hands‑on experience supporting cell-based and biochemical assay workflows, operate advanced laboratory instrumentation, and contribute to high-throughput screening activities. You will work alongside scientists to generate high-quality data, troubleshoot experimental challenges, and help improve assay performance and operational efficiency. This position provides an opportunity to develop your technical laboratory skills, gain exposure to state-of-the-art screening and automation technologies, and contribute to research efforts aimed at advancing new therapies for patients.

Detailed description of role including but not limited to:

• Execution of cell-based and biochemical assays to support research programs
• Preparation of reagents, assay plates and biological samples for screening experiments
• Collection, analysis, and interpretation of experimental data using data analysis tools
• Documentation of experimental procedures, results and conclusions in electronic laboratory notebook
• Contribution to assay optimization, automation workflows, and process improvement initiatives

Completion of an independent project that addresses a scientific or operational challenge and culminates in a final presentation Example projects may include:

• Optimization of assay technology by evaluating parameters such as cell density, incubation time, signal reagents and assay volume
• Compare different assay testing formats (384- vs. 1536 well) to improve throughput and reduce reagent consumption
• Prepare compounds in assay plates for testing

Who You Are:

Include the knowledge, skills, and abilities you may be seeking.

• Fundamental understanding of biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or related scientific disciplines
• Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques, including solution preparation, pipetting, and experimental documentation
• Knowledge of serial dilutions and molarity conversions
• Ability to accurately execute experimental protocols and follow standard operating procedures
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistently generate high-quality, reproducible data
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Prior laboratory research experience through coursework, academic research, or internships
• Interest in drug discovery, assay development, high-throughput screening, or laboratory automation
• Familiarity with cell culture and biochemical assays is a plus
• Experience with Graphpad Prism, Spotfire, Python, R or laboratory automation is a plus but not required

To participate in the Biogen Internship or Co-op Program, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.
• At least 18 years of age prior to the scheduled start date.
• Currently enrolled in an accredited community college, college, university or skills program/apprenticeship.

Education Requirements

Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field.

Job Level: Internship

Additional Information

The base compensation range for this role is: $23.00-$29.00 The actual hourly wage offered will consider the candidate’s current academic level and degree candidacy, inclusive of Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, JD, MD, PhD and MBA programs. It will comply with state or local minimum wage requirements specific to the job location.

In addition to compensation, Biogen offers a range of benefits designed to support our educational employees, including, but not limited to:

• Company paid holidays
• Commuter benefits
• Employee Resource Groups participation
• 80 hours of sick time per calendar year

Why Biogen?

We are a global team with a commitment to excellence, and a pioneering spirit. As a mid-sized biotechnology company, we provide the stability and resources of a well-established business while fostering an environment where individual contributions make a significant impact. Our team encompasses some of the most talented and passionate achievers who have unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and expanding their skills. Above all, we work together to deliver life-changing medicines, with every role playing a vital part in our mission. Caring Deeply. Achieving Excellence. Changing Lives. At Biogen, we are committed to building on our culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients we serve. We know that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives make us a stronger and more innovative company, and we are focused on building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired. Read on to learn more about Biogen.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

Biogen is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.